The City of Tempe will begin to fill Tempe Town Lake this Friday at 7 a.m.
For those planning on watching the initial release of water, Tempe is providing some details to make the experience more enjoyable.
The water release will happen near the sandy Boat Beach. To get there, take Washington/Curry to Lakeview Drive, which is located near Mill Avenue both on the east and west. This is a looped road that leads to the sandy boat beach. There will be signs at the Lakeview Drive turning points on Friday to help direct those attending. There is free parking in the lots along Lakeview Drive. There is a map on this page.
Please come dressed comfortably and casually. It is recommended that those attending wear shoes suitable for walking in sand and possibly a little mud - sturdy flip flops, Tevas, as well as sunscreen or a hat, as the area is not shaded.
Visitors may want to arrive by 6:30 a.m. in order to have time to park, visit with city representatives and ensure they don’t miss the first water to come out of the gate. Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman will begin his formal remarks at 7 a.m. and the water should arrive quickly thereafter.
The Tempe City Council, representatives of Salt River Project, city staff and many other experts on this project will be on hand. The event should be fun as well as historic.
An alternative viewing spot is the sidewalk between Tempe Beach Park and the Tempe Center for the Arts on the south side of the lake. There will be no organized activities at this location. Parking for that location is available at both Tempe Beach Park and Tempe Center for the Arts.
About 977 million gallons of water will fill Town Lake at an expected average flow rate of 100 cubic feet per second. The water will flow through an opening in the north lake wall near the light rail bridge. To see a video of the water’s journey, visit www.tempe.gov/lake and click on the dam replacement link.
Town Lake is expected to be full on Oct. 25.